The blog of Brian Wainwright, author of Within the Fetterlock, The Adventures of Alianore Audley and...

Saturday, 22 September 2012

You heard it here first - unless you are one of a privileged minority.

I am 60 next birthday, and find that I only have limited energy (mental and physical) these days. I have been brooding for some months about the priorities in my life, some of which are compulsory, others optional, and have come to the conclusion that I need to do a shift around.

Anyway, I am going to complete my current Alianore manuscript and get it published one way or another. At worst it will appear as a Kindle version on Amazon. But after that, I am retiring as a writer.

I wrote my first full-length novel when I was about 15. Thankfully it was never published. I have been writing ever since, on and off. Sadly, what was once the joy of my life has become a chore. The Alianore thing is only do-able because it's light hearted and requires little research - although still a surprising amount.

I could write down a score of reasons for this decision, one of which would be my general disenchantment with the direction historical fiction has developed, with so much of it now so dire it's beyond my wit to parody. But the plain truth is I want to use what's left of my life's energy in other directions - looking after my wife, making models of the Great Central Railway and developing my spiritual side. I shall probably be getting rid of the majority of my medieval research books, as they will be surplus to requirements.

I anyone is disappointed by this, I am sorry. But as Luther said Here I stand. I can do no other.

5 comments:

The most important thing in life is the love that we give to and receive from our significant others.That said, I want to thank you again Brian for Within the Fetterlock and the Adventures of Alianore Audley. They meet my definition of a great read-by which I mean that I became completely wrapped up in the story and characters and couldn't wait to pick up where I left off the next day. I'm sure I'll feel the same way when I read your next Alianore book. I hope your passion for modeling and Faith will bring you joy and fulfillment in the years ahead. Good Luck!

Thanks, Brian, for giving us such wonderful heroines as Alianore and Constance. I'm sorry to hear that we won't get to read your Richard III novel, but at least there is another Alianore to look forward to. Enjoy your retirement and hope you keep blogging.

Thank you Angela. If I ever do make a come back it is likely to be the Richard book, as huge chunks of it are already written. But I make no promises, as I do need a complete break from writing. Who knows, I may enjoy the rest too much!

We don't get to choose the hand we're dealt in life. It's all in how we handle it. Losses and gifts will come our way, not necessarily in equal proportions. Do what's right in your heart. Martin Luther's 3 words "Here I stand." are an anchor in my life. May they also be in yours. Blessings.